A stunning trail meandering along the rugged black cliffs of the south coast. The surf breaking against the coast and the remoteness of the area give the feeling that you are somewhere different than Mauritius. One of the best hiking/mountain biking trails in the country. The trail is easy as there is minimal elevation change, but it is definitely long. If you are hiking and do not want to do a return trip, the hike is best done with two cars/motorbikes to run a shuttle or you can catch a cab ride from the resort near La Cambuse, although a cab can be slightly expensive. On a mountain bike it would be a great ride both directions. There are access/exit points at Pont Naturel and Le Bouchon – you can get coconuts and snacks here as well. The trail is only shaded for a small part of the way.
Route:
- Type of trail: Out and Back/Shuttle
- Start/end point: Le Souffler/La Cambuse
- Length: 5 miles one way
- Duration: 2 hours
- Lowest point: 0ft
- Highest point: 136ft
- Total elevation gain: 864ft
If you are hoping to get a cab for your return journey, it seems to be easiest to start at Le Souffler and end at La Cambuse. Otherwise, it doesn’t make any difference. Finding your way to the trail at Le Souffler can be a challenge. In L’Escalier the turn off is on the south side and is marked by a rusty sign that says Le Souffler. This road is also the entrance to the local Omnicane industrial complex. As you near the facilities there is another sign guiding you towards Le Souffler. Continue on the road right through the center of the facilities. The road is generally marked as it passes through sugarcane towards the coast. If in doubt, just follow the clearest road and you will find your way there. You will reach a building and a black gate that says Le Souffler 6am-6pm. Continue along the stone lined road until you reach the coast.
To arrive at La Cambuse turn onto Mon Desert Road just before the aiport headed towards the Beachcomber Shandrani resort. There will be a turn off on the west side of the road just before the resort. Follow this road to the beach. If you would like to start from this end, just begin heading west along the beach until you find a trail near the shore.
From Le Souffler, head east from the viewpoint and you will come across the trail. It is quite well marked with green and white arrows thanks to the Mauritius Mountain Biking Commission. The markers are on both rocks and trees. The trail stays near the coast except for a diversion around a private estate at Ilot Brocus that will take you around the fence of the estate and through the sugar cane. Keep your eyes open as the trail turns back towards the coast.
At Le Bouchon just continue along the beach and find the trail at the opposite end. The trail ends at La Cambuse with no signage. If you need a cab, continue along the beach and exit along the main road. It will reach a point where it diverges into three roads – take the first one on your right/east. This will take you to the paved road that goes to Beachcomber Shandrani. Turn right and you will find a taxi stand outside the front gate.
If you feel uncertain about finding your way check out the Facebook group Permanent Mountain Biking Trails in Mauritius to find a friend to ride with you or ask questions.
There is nobody definitely in charge of this trail. There are many good people in the Facebook group that have been maintaining this trail and others around Mauritius. If there is a missing marker or a downed tree – try to fix it yourself or let the group know.
Hi, please could ypu explain to me exactly how do we do if we are hiking from le souffleur to la cambuse, because last time, once before le bouchon we had to cross the water which almost arrived at our bellies and was very cold. Is there any other way round..which is used by hikers to cross this part of the sea….?
Thanks and regards…
It is possible to do the complete hike without having to wade into the water at any point. The trail diverges from the coast shortly after Pont Naturel if headed in the direction of La Cambuse to get around private property. When you reach a stone wall follow the trail that goes around it away from the coast. It will bring you to a sugarcane road. Turn on this road and follow the wall until it ends and take the trail that heads back in the direction of the coast. After that there is a trail that continuously follows the coast, although it could be faint depending upon the season.
Hello,
You have done a great job here. Thank you for sharing.
I was wondering if you had any idea about where we could rent bikes in the South.
Thank you.
Hi,
I have rented one at Preskil and am very satisfied. Regular price is Rs 500 pd. For 12 days I was given a discount of 50% i.e Rs 250 pd.
Do not know if service is only available for guests of the hotel. But as the service is by a contractor I guess it may possible for others as well.
Besides there is another possibility in Blue Bay by the name of Veloparadis. Longer term rates seem to be more or less in the same area.
When you have the possibility to rent from either my choice would be for the Preskil